Monterey doesn't suck.

New York has the Hamptons, Charleston for the South, and I just discovered Monterey as the perfect escape from San Francisco.
The Spindrift Hotel was incredible. Literally feet from the ocean and equipped with a wood burning stove and squishy, king-sized bed. It wasn't difficult to forget about San Francisco.

This post will focus primarily upon the fireplace. How many of you have a fireplace, and either never use it or light it and pay it no more attention afterwards? I'd say most (myself included). This is part of what made our trip incredible. . .the TV was in a cabinet with doors, and the fireplace took center stage, complete with comfy chairs that would make a Starbucks jealous.
It was immediately captivating to my girlfriend and I, who converse often, but usually not at length or without distraction. After leaving our tourist-[over]priced seafood dinner (if you go, venture into Monterey's downtown, its much more rewarding) the only thing on both of our minds was the fireplace and the wine be had brought.

We arrived at the fireplace near 6:30 PM, and didn't leave again until noon the next day, save a small break to sleep. Words flowed like water and for tow people that see each other every day, there was a delightful sense of rediscovery and interest in what the other had to say.

This will become a tradition for my birthday.